@article{article_1887737, title={A Productivity Analysis and Strategic Implications of Türkiye’s 5G Deployment}, journal={Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Dergisi}, volume={4}, pages={67–100}, year={2026}, DOI={10.66643/btkdergi.1887737}, url={https://izlik.org/JA78YH58WN}, author={Demircioglu, Erdem}, keywords={5G Deployment, Investment Efficiency, Telecommunications Policy, Spectrum Auction}, abstract={This study examines the economic impact of broadband mobile network transitions on operators in Türkiye, with a specific focus on drawing evidence-based lessons from LTE to inform the strategic and financial planning for the upcoming 5G deployment. It aims to quantitatively assess the relationship between infrastructure investment, operator efficiency, and macroeconomic constraints to formulate actionable policy recommendations. The research employs a historical panel dataset of Turkish mobile network operators (MNOs) to calculate and analyze the investment efficiency ratio. This quantitative analysis is complemented by a qualitative review of historical data and the regulatory framework governing the 5G process. The analysis reveals two critical patterns. First, LTE deployment generated significant efficiency gains, with operator capital productivity increasing by approximately 30% post-implementation. Second, this productivity is highly sensitive to financing costs. High domestic interest rates exert strong downward pressure on investment efficiency. Consequently, while 5G holds similar potential for productivity gains, its financial viability is severely challenged under current macroeconomic conditions. This paper provides a novel, integrated analysis that combines quantitative operator-level efficiency metrics with Türkiye’s specific policy ambitions for technological sovereignty. It uniquely quantifies the financial friction caused by high interest rates on telecom investments and proposes a holistic policy framework.}, number={1}